An outbreak of illness linked to cucumbers sold in the United States and Canada has affected at least 68 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is currently investigating the outbreak and working with public health officials to determine the source of the contamination.
The outbreak is believed to be caused by the consumption of contaminated cucumbers, although the specific strain of bacteria has not been identified. At this time, the CDC is advising consumers to avoid eating cucumbers from certain suppliers, although no specific brand or retailer has been identified.
Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, with the majority of cases reported in the Midwest and western United States. Several people have been hospitalized due to the severity of their symptoms, highlighting the seriousness of the outbreak.
Health officials are urging consumers to practice safe food handling techniques, such as washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them and avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen. They are also advising individuals who may have purchased cucumbers from the affected suppliers to dispose of them immediately to reduce the risk of illness.
The CDC is continuing to investigate the outbreak and working with state and local health departments to identify the source of the contamination. In the meantime, consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing and consuming cucumbers and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of illness.
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